The Rights of a Guest

The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, should accommodate his guest according to his right.” He was asked: “What is his right, O Messenger of Allah?” He (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) replied: “It is (to accommodate him) for a day and a night, and hospitality extends for three days, and what is beyond that is charity.”

[Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Commentary:

In Sahih Muslim: the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) also said, “It is not permissible for a Muslim to stay so long with his brother till he makes him sinful.” He was asked: “O Messenger of Allah, how can he make him sinful?” He (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) replied, “He prolongs his stay with him till nothing is left with the host to entertain him (guest).”

The above ahadith throw light on some of the etiquette’s and scope of hospitality.

A guest ought to be given the best entertainment on the first day and night. For the next two days, hospitality should be moderate. On the fourth day, the guest should leave for his destination. Yet if he chooses to stay, hospitality will be in the sense of charity.